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Professor Suzanne Farid Honoured with Prestigious Peter Dunnill Award at bioProcessUK 2024
6 December 2024
We are delighted to announce that Professor Suzanne Farid, known to many as Suzy, and Head of UCL Biochemical Engineering, has been awarded the Peter Dunnill Award at the 2024 bioProcessUK conference.
This prestigious honour, presented by the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA), recognises Suzy’s outstanding leadership and contributions to the field of bioprocessing.
The annual award, established in 2009 in memory of Professor Peter Dunnill, celebrates individuals whose work demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing UK bioprocessing. Professor Dunnill was a pioneer who established UCL as a global leader in biochemical engineering and played a pivotal role in founding the Department of Biochemical Engineering in 1998.
Suzy’s pioneering research has had a profound impact on the bioprocessing sector, particularly through her leadership in “Decisional Tools” research. Her work has advanced cost-effective manufacturing and data-driven decision-making for biopharmaceuticals, from monoclonal antibodies to cell and gene therapies. This enables biotech companies to bring innovative medicines to patients more quickly, at lower costs, and with greater accessibility.
Reflecting on the award, Suzy said
"This award is deeply personal for me. Peter Dunnill’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of our department, and his commitment to translating innovation into real-world impact remains an inspiration. It’s a privilege to be recognised in his name and to share this with the incredible colleagues, mentors, and collaborators who have supported me along the way.”
Colleagues across academia and industry celebrated Suzy’s achievements. Nigel Titchener-Hooker, former Dean of UCL Engineering and the second Head of UCL Biochemical Engineering, commented:
"Suzy’s research embodies the synergy between academic innovation, industry needs, and policy impact. As a world leader in bioprocess cost modelling, her work has transformed decision-making and is shaping healthcare strategies globally. Few bridge these worlds as effectively as Suzy, earning the deep respect of industry leaders and inspiring future generations.”
Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the UK BioIndustry Association, added:
"Suzy’s research and leadership have had a profound impact, not only in advancing industry practices but also in shaping policy. Her work exemplifies how academia and industry partnerships can tackle pressing challenges and deliver real-world outcomes for the biomanufacturing sector."
In her acceptance lecture, Suzy reflected on Peter Dunnill’s profound influence on her career and the field. She emphasised the importance of academic, industry, and policy partnerships, highlighting initiatives such as the Future Targeted Healthcare Manufacturing Hub and the UCL-AstraZeneca Centre of Excellence.
Find out more
- Professor Suzy Farid’s UCL Research Profile
- UK BioIndustry Association (BIA)
- Future Targeted Healthcare Manufacturing Hub
- UCL Decisional Tools